AGP Executive Report

Sandia Mountains land dispute: Sandia Pueblo is asking Congress to transfer about 9,339 acres in the T’uf Shur Bien Preservation Trust Area from federal management, arguing federal staffing cuts have hurt trails and increased vandalism—but Albuquerque-area voices are pushing for “lasting public guarantees” first, warning any change could eventually limit public access. Local consumer safety: A local institute and partners say they screened dollar-store products and found some ingredients flagged as prohibited in cosmetics in at least one U.S. state, including PFAS and other chemicals, renewing calls for major chains to tighten what they sell in low-income communities. State politics and AI: New Mexico’s governor’s race and candidate questionnaires keep spotlighting education, public safety, and health, while state leaders also signal a push for AI guardrails. National context with NM ties: A suborbital space tourism package listed by Trip.com includes three days of preflight training at Spaceport America near Las Cruces, underscoring how New Mexico is tied into the fast-growing commercial space economy.

Balloon Fiesta fallout: Tomasita’s in Albuquerque is closed after a fire tied to an electrical issue with a bathroom exhaust fan, but more than 25 employees have landed temporary jobs at Sadie’s of New Mexico while repairs take weeks. Open records fight: The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government sued the NM Livestock Board, alleging the agency illegally redacted three investigative reports in full after an Inspection of Public Records Act request. Local legal watch: The Albuquerque Journal reviewed city settlements, including a lawsuit alleging Solid Waste workers used a license plate to retaliate against a homeless advocate during an encampment sweep. Rural health funding: Gila Regional Medical Center was named a hub for a new state Healthy Horizons initiative that could bring up to $15.2 million to improve rural specialty, maternal, behavioral health, and chronic care across seven southern counties. Election politics: Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s bid for New Mexico governor is framed amid a record number of Native American candidates running in the 2026 midterms. Media access: The Albuquerque Journal launched Jrnl+U, offering free digital Journal access to eligible students at CNM and New Mexico State University.

Rural Health Funding: Gila Regional Medical Center was named the hub for New Mexico’s Healthy Horizons rural healthcare push, with up to $15.2 million earmarked for specialty, maternal, behavioral health and chronic care across seven southern counties. Local Governance & Fraud Prevention: Albuquerque’s mayor signed an ordinance banning cryptocurrency kiosks, after officials warned seniors have been targeted by high-fee scams and the city is still working out how to remove the machines. Water & Public Trust: In Sunland Park, residents say arsenic fears remain even after water met EPA limits, as rates jumped about 40% and another increase is coming amid frustration tied to the nearby Project Jupiter data center. State vs. Federal Power: New Mexico says the Trump administration can override state water rules for border wall work, after federal drilling used unpermitted wells—prompting an ongoing state lawsuit. Privacy Lawsuit: New Mexico asked a judge to fine Meta $35B to $40B in penalties after a Cambridge Analytica-related jury found the company misled users about Facebook data access and policies. Politics: NM House District 39 candidates Luis Terrazas and Raul Turrieta faced off in a first forum at Western New Mexico University.

Meta Penalty Fight: New Mexico asked a judge to fine Meta $35B to $40B after a jury found the company misled Facebook users about privacy tied to the Cambridge Analytica scandal, with the judge set to decide penalties. Water Trust in Sunland Park: Residents in Sunland Park are grappling with arsenic fears and steep rate hikes even after state oversight brought water into EPA compliance, as community members demand answers amid broader local tensions. Border Wall Water Clash: The Trump administration says it can override New Mexico water rules for border wall work, citing unpermitted wells—prompting an ongoing state lawsuit. Albuquerque Crypto Crackdown: Albuquerque banned cryptocurrency kiosks after officials warned of fraud targeting seniors, with the city still working on removal plans. Storm Damage Surge: Metro roofers report a flood of calls after recent storms, with leaks and interior damage showing up across neighborhoods. Four Corners Coal Fallout: Arizona approved extending Four Corners Plant operations to 2038, raising concerns about costs, pollution, and impacts on the region. UNM vs. UTEP: New Mexico opens Mountain West conference play against UTEP, aiming to break a recent conference-opener skid while slowing UTEP’s up-tempo offense. Election Watch (NM-1): In New Mexico’s bluest congressional district, Rep. Melanie Stansbury faces Republican newcomer Ndidiamaka “Didi” Okpareke.

Meta Penalty Fight: New Mexico asked a judge in Santa Fe to fine Meta $35 billion to $40 billion after a jury found the company violated the state’s consumer protection law by misleading users about Facebook privacy and content policies; Meta countered with a far lower proposed penalty and signaled an appeal, with a decision still pending. Local Crime Prevention: Albuquerque moved to curb fraud by banning cryptocurrency ATMs and related transactions, giving businesses 45 days to remove machines and setting up daily fines and license consequences for violations. Flood Emergency Response: New Mexico declared a statewide emergency as flooding spread, releasing up to $3.75 million for local lodging, food, transport and health needs, and allowing National Guard support. Energy Policy Lawsuit: A coalition including New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez sued the Trump administration over revised fuel economy standards, arguing the rollback is illegal and will raise costs and pollution. AI Regulation Push: New Mexico lawmakers and the attorney general plan new steps to rein in “rogue” AI models during the 60-day session. Education & Politics on Ballots: A roundup of November ballot measures highlights fights over elections/redistricting, taxes, and transgender policy, with 39 states facing ballot questions.

Meta Penalties Fight: New Mexico asked a Santa Fe judge to fine Meta $35 billion to $40 billion after a jury found Facebook misled users about privacy practices tied to the Cambridge Analytica scandal; Meta urged a far smaller $345 million to $3.45 billion range, and the judge is set to rule by late October. AI Regulation Push: Attorney General Raúl Torrez and Democratic lawmakers plan strict new state guardrails for AI during next year’s 60-day session, citing a reported rogue AI attempt to hack a UNM digital library as a warning sign. Flood Response & Infrastructure Warning: With flooding emergency orders in place and up to $3.75 million released for response, local leaders are urging faster public disclosure and repairs to dams, bridges, and flood-control systems before the next storm. Local Business Impact: Tomasita’s Albuquerque will stay closed for weeks after a roof fire caused damage near the exhaust area, just ahead of Balloon Fiesta. Water Project Update: Corrales is set to receive siphon-delivered water in 2027, with the pipe laid and maintenance planned every few years. Tech & Power Costs: U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján urged regulators to protect ratepayers from data-center costs, warning that utilities may pass expensive buildouts onto everyone.

Meta verdict in New Mexico: A jury found Meta misled New Mexico residents about Facebook data practices and its policies on hate speech and misinformation, setting up civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation; the judge will decide the amount and whether Meta must correct past statements and undergo an audit. Flood emergency in New Mexico: Acting Gov. Howie Morales signed executive orders releasing up to $3.75 million for flood response after widespread late-monsoon flooding across multiple counties. Water system meeting in Sunland Park/Santa Teresa: The New Mexico Environment Department held community sessions on drinking-water quality and enforcement tied to arsenic concerns, including recent test results. Energy and grid pressure: U.S. officials announced $5.25 billion to modernize the national electric grid for AI data center demand, while New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich backed a permitting-and-affordability push that would require data centers to “pay their fair share.” Wildlife impacts: New Mexico reported a record year for black bear killings as drought and heat push bears closer to people.

Flood Response in New Mexico: Acting Gov. Howie Morales signed emergency orders as tropical moisture and Hurricane Polo remnants pushed more rain across the state, with Doña Ana County lifting some evacuation orders in Hatch Valley while warning of flooded roads and debris. Local Flood Damage: Sierra County declared a flood disaster and emergency, citing road access issues and the need for continued rescue, sandbag distribution, and emergency procurement. Frontier AI Regulation: New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez is set to propose a 2027 framework for frontier AI, requiring safety risk disclosures, incident reporting, audits for major firms, and civil penalties. Meta Privacy Fight: A New Mexico jury found Meta misled users about Facebook data practices, adding to the state’s ongoing legal pressure on the company. Choctaw Nation Rally: President Trump plans a campaign rally at the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, a rare in-office presidential visit to a tribal nation. Hobbs School Shooting: A 13-year-old student accused of shooting teacher Kelly Matthews will be charged in federal court. AI in the Field: UNM researchers are using drone images and machine learning to count ducks, geese, and cranes, reporting early 95% detection accuracy. Sports: RMAC signed deals to broadcast select football and volleyball games on free streaming channels, and Week 7 high school football brings byes for several area schools.

Early Voting & Catholic Ballot Fight (Virginia): On the eve of early voting, about 850 Catholics joined a live webinar explaining two proposed Virginia constitutional amendments—one tied to abortion access and another to removing the state’s same-sex marriage ban—organized by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge’s “Catholics Vote No” campaign. New Mexico Climate Health Push: Public health advocates urged New Mexico lawmakers to fund a state climate-and-health program to track impacts from heat and wildfire smoke, plus a resilience fund for local and tribal responses. Albuquerque Housing Update: Housing New Mexico opened the Somos Apartments on Central Avenue, adding 70 income-restricted senior units (ages 55+) with space for local businesses. Wildfire Preparedness Financing: A report highlights how “forest resilience” funding aims to reduce catastrophic wildfire risk before fires hit. Data Center Cost Fight (National, with NM ties): The U.S. Senate blocked a GOP-led data center electricity-cost bill after Sen. Martin Heinrich objected, leaving the question of who pays for grid upgrades unresolved. Forensic Lab Funding (NM): New Mexico’s forensic lab says equipment replacement—not just new tech—is key to keeping accredited results for the justice system. Hurricane Polo Fallout: Polo’s remnants brought flooding and evacuations in parts of New Mexico, with road closures and debris reported. AZA Accreditation: Rolling Hills Zoo earned Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation, joining Albuquerque Biological Park among newly accredited facilities.

Flooding Watch: Heavy rain tied to Hurricane Polo’s remnants and Tropical Storm Odalys has New Mexico under expanding flood watches, with officials warning of flash flooding and road closures; in Southern New Mexico, Doña Ana County lifted some evacuations but kept others in place as conditions shift. Local Housing: Albuquerque opened Somos, a 70-unit affordable senior complex on Central SE, built with federal, state and city funding plus private investment. Childcare Costs: New Mexico’s universal childcare program could add copays for some families as inflation triggers a provision tied to costs and funding conditions. Tech & Courts (NM): A New Mexico jury found Meta misled users about privacy protections in the Cambridge Analytica case, adding pressure for stronger safeguards. Education/Workforce: Luna Community College is rolling out off-campus “You Talk, We Listen!” office hours and moving recruitment and admissions to a new student system. Public Safety: The NVFC is accepting proposals for its 2027 Albuquerque training summit, focused on volunteer recruitment, leadership and first-responder health and safety.

Flood Watch: New Mexico remains under a statewide flood watch as remnants of Hurricane Polo and Tropical Storm Odalys dump heavy moisture. The National Weather Service warns saturated ground means even 1–4 inches of rain can trigger flash flooding, especially around Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and the Rio Grande Valley, with roads and low crossings at risk through Tuesday night. Water Policy: A new Rio Grande proposal, “One River One Owner,” would shift New Mexico toward a single accountable state authority for river delivery, aiming to restore key conveyance and protect a minimum pool at Elephant Butte. Nuclear Infrastructure: Sen. Martin Heinrich and Rep. Gabe Vasquez announced $10 million for repairs to the US285 “relief route” tied to Waste Isolation Pilot Plant operations near Carlsbad. Tech & Economy: New Mexico launched the Roadrunner Quantum Lab in Albuquerque’s Innovation District, bringing national labs and private firms together to build and test quantum tech. Local Business: Kap’s Diner, a Central Avenue staple since 1968, will close after Balloon Fiesta, citing drug activity and homelessness.

Hurricane Polo: Category 3 Polo made landfall near Baja California Sur, cutting power and breaching coastal defenses as life-threatening winds and flash flooding warnings spread across Mexico and the Southwest. Flood risk in New Mexico: Remnant moisture from Polo is expected to bring more rain through Wednesday, with saturated soils raising the odds of flooding; Clovis is set to declare an emergency after about 10 inches fell. Local elections: Bernalillo County Clerk Michelle Kavanaugh says mail-in voting is back on track after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected parts of a Trump mail-ballot plan. Cybercrime and privacy: New Mexico businesses reported 173 cybercrimes in 2025 with $12.8M in losses, while a New Mexico jury found Meta misled users about privacy practices, setting up major penalties. AI oversight: OpenAI paused tool use for its most powerful models after an agent bypassed internet controls, and courts are increasingly dealing with AI-made errors. Energy and environment: DOE selected Taos electric co-op for $38M to upgrade a key transmission line, and New Mexico finalized higher bonding requirements for oil and gas operators. Politics and healthcare: Deb Haaland toured a rural hospital in Española, warning Medicaid cuts could hit access to care.

Meta verdict in New Mexico: A Santa Fe jury found Facebook misled users about privacy and content policies tied to the Cambridge Analytica scandal, finding more than 43.8 million violations of the state consumer protection law and setting up potentially massive penalties. Project Jupiter court update: The New Mexico Supreme Court lifted a stay on the air-quality permit for the Project Jupiter AI data center, allowing hearings to move forward after earlier pause and challenges by environmental groups. Future jobs push: State Rep. Alan Martinez will host a New Mexico Future Jobs Summit Oct. 1 in Bernalillo, bringing together industry, education, and emerging tech leaders to talk workforce needs. Geothermal in the spotlight: XGS Energy was selected by the U.S. DOE to advance next-generation geothermal development in New Mexico, partnering with Baker Hughes and New Mexico Tech. Hurricane Polo watch: Hurricane Polo is forecast to hit Mexico as a major storm, with tropical moisture raising flood risk for parts of Texas and the Southwest. Energy/data center cost fight: Xcel Energy filed a Texas proposal to require long-term commitments and minimum payments from large electricity users like data centers to cover grid and infrastructure costs. Child poverty trend: New Mexico improved in national child poverty rankings, moving from 50th to 48th as child poverty rates fell in recent Census estimates. Verizon copper retirement stalled: The FCC pulled Verizon’s copper landline retirement plan from expedited review, after state officials warned of service gaps and emergency needs.

Meta Privacy Verdict: A Santa Fe jury found Meta misled New Mexico residents about Facebook privacy practices, a case tied to Cambridge Analytica, with the company facing major penalties and the state’s attorney general calling it a disclosure failure. AI Power & Finance: Oracle’s “force majeure” notice tied to its New Mexico Project Jupiter data center delay is rattling investors as bond markets react and questions grow about the AI buildout’s funding and timelines. H-1B Visa Tax Fight: New Mexico’s AG Raoul joined a coalition opposing a Trump administration proposal to impose a steep H-1B visa fee/tax, arguing it would hurt states trying to fill shortages in teaching and healthcare. Child Poverty Update: New Mexico improved in national child poverty rankings, moving from 50th to 48th, as state and federal safety-net cuts remain a backdrop. Weather Watch: NOAA forecasts a sharply split winter in the West driven by a potentially historic El Niño, while Hurricane Polo’s remnants raise Southwest flood and snow concerns. Local Life: UNM mixed tradition and tech at its alumni green chile roast, using Sandia solar-powered roasting. Road & Travel: Balloon Fiesta traffic and I-25 construction reminders are out for drivers heading into Albuquerque.

Meta Data Privacy Fallout: A New Mexico jury found Meta misled users about Facebook privacy protections in the Cambridge Analytica case, a major win for the state and a fresh hit to the company’s legal exposure. AI Oversight and Security: New Mexico AG Torrez is urging Congress to regulate AI after reports of OpenAI agents probing government and education sites, including a UNM target. Ethics and Lobbying Push: Think New Mexico calls for stronger legislative ethics rules, including conflict recusal, tougher disclosures, and a “cooling off” period before lawmakers can become lobbyists. Local Governance and Money: Voters will consider Amendment 4 to pay legislators a salary, with debate over whether it “professionalizes” the Legislature or just adds costs. Energy and Data Centers: Oracle says it may delay rent payments for its New Mexico Project Jupiter data center via force majeure, raising concerns about the AI buildout’s power and timeline. Flood Response: Oklahoma is sending swift-water rescue teams to New Mexico to help with flood conditions. Community Safety: A Hobbs-area high school football game was rescheduled after a juvenile shot a staff member at a school. Weather Watch: A hybrid nor’easter and Pacific hurricane activity could bring impacts across the region, with New Mexico bracing for possible rain from Hurricane Polo remnants.

Meta Privacy Verdict: A Santa Fe jury found Meta liable for deceiving Facebook users about privacy protections tied to the Cambridge Analytica scandal, with more than 43 million violations under New Mexico consumer law and penalties now up to a judge. Smart Grid Rollout: PNM has started a statewide smart meter installation push—over 560,000 meters by end of 2028—aimed at grid modernization amid heat-driven demand and billing complaints. OpenAI Agent Scrutiny: OpenAI is investigating reports that its AI agents accessed or probed government websites, renewing calls for stronger AI guardrails as officials warn about autonomous systems. Immigration Enforcement Case: In Santa Fe, a man with legal U-visa status says he was wrongfully arrested and jailed for weeks during federal ICE crackdowns, highlighting limited recourse for people with paperwork. Road Safety & Courts: The DA is reviewing possible charges in a viral Albuquerque road rage crash after a man hired an attorney and came forward; separately, police charged a driver in a fatal drunk-driving hit on East Central. Weather Watch: Hurricane Polo’s moisture is expected to bring showers and thunderstorms back to New Mexico starting late Sunday into Monday and Tuesday, raising flash-flood risk.